SPORTS GAL: Your Super Bowl Cliff Notes!

This Sunday, Feb. 6, most people in the country will watch the 45th Super Bowl XLV, airing 6:30 p.m. EST on FOX. And if you’re like Sports Gal, you plan on watching it with some cute guys. So here are some tips for a successful Super Bowl Sunday experience.

The game, which pits the AFC against the NFC Champions, is taking place this year at Cowboys Stadium near Dallas, Texas. Know who the key players are for both teams and their respective positions. Here’s a quick cheat sheet so you can name drop with confidence.

• The Pittsburgh Steelers are the AFC Champions. Ben Roethlisberger is the Quarterback (QB). Other names and positions to know: Troy Polamalu, Safety (S) (he’s also the Defensive Player of the Year); Rashard Mendenhall, Running Back (RB) and Mike Wallace, Wide Receiver (WR).

No need to channel surf during halftime this year since the NFL made a good, “safe” selection with the Black Eyed Peas as the show’s performers. I gotta feeling the Peas have enough hit material for the show to be a fun sing-along, so warm up those pipes.

You can show off your colors (and curves) in these super cute team logo tees from the Defense Zone line at NFLShop.com. They come in small to XL, and are also available at Target, Walmart and K-Mart. Everyone will know right away which team you’re cheering for — even if you don’t!

Every DivaGal hostess should have one signature dish to serve. Here’s one of Sports Gal’s fave recipes.

1. In a medium resealable freezer bag, combine the orange juice, brown sugar, bourbon, soy sauce, and cayenne pepper. 2. Add chicken and marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 6 hours or overnight. 3. Drain marinade into a small saucepan and boil gently over medium heat for 20 minutes until thickened and syrupy. 4. Thread chicken onto skewers and cook on a greased grill at medium heat for about 8 minutes, 4 per side, brushing with marinade until meat is no longer pink inside.

Sports Gal will be tweeting during the game. Be sure to let me know if you try the recipe and how it turns out. I’ll be rooting for the Packers this weekend.

Comments

Lisa Bricker

Thursday, February 3rd, 2011

Super Bowl XLV is made up of two teams and two cities with devoted fan bases that stretch back decades; two powerful symbols that the fans show off with much pride and two quarterbacks with similar styles.

The Packers may have a strong connection to “The Vince Lombardi Trophy”; after all he was the legendary Green Bay Packers coach for which the trophy was re-named in 1970. Packers fans do wear their “Cheeseheads” to show off their strong loyalty to the team. They also have a red hot quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, but here in Pittsburgh we’ve got two time Super Bowl QB, “Big Ben” and “the Terrible Towel” not to mention the backing of the entire STEELER NATION.

Now that being said, I have to tell you that I grew up in Pittsburgh and am currently living here. Right now the city is burning up with “STEELERS FEVER." We do “BLEED BLACK AND GOLD” here in the “Burgh." So I have been part of the “STEELER NATION” since the day I was born.

Here in Pittsburgh and around the globe we do believe that “OUR STILLERS” are on the way to the “STAIRWAY to 7,” and here’s why.

First of all we’ve got “The terrible towel” and many believe that it has magical powers. On any given Sunday thousands of “terrible towels“ wave high over Heinz Field, the current home to the Pittsburgh Steelers and in every venue where the Steelers play.

“The terrible towel was created in 1975 by the late Pittsburgh radio legend, Myron Cope. Every Steelers fan owns one. I’ve got several, including an original one from the '70s. The “towel” is so popular it’s been taken into space on the International Space Station and seen on NBC’s Saturday Night Live.

About those “magical powers” NEVER EVER DESECRATE “THE TERRIBLE TOWEL” because then it turns into “The Terrible Curse” for the opposing team. There a many examples including the time that Tennessee Titans running back LenDale White stomped and spat on it a few weeks before the 2008 NFL playoffs. The Titans lost that game to Baltimore. Later, faced with an eight game losing streak, the offending players from the Titans sent an autographed “towel” to a Pittsburgh School with a written request to “lift the curse."

Even this year, look at what happened to the Baltimore Ravens. Someone torched, the “towel” and we know how that game ended.

About our QB, “Big Ben," despite two sex scandals in which he HAS NEVER BEEN CHARGED WITH A CRIME, Ben Roethlisberger already has two Super Bowl wins under his belt. He’s got the rings to prove it.

This year Ben sat out the first four games due to his suspension; however, he has come back better than ever. He’s played with a broken nose and a broken foot. Nothing can stop the “Ben-Energizer.” Here’s a clue to that “Stairway to 7”; just look at Ben’s Jersey, we’ve got his number; number “7” that is.

Now matter who wins on Sunday, Super Bowl XLV is shaping up to be a SUPER MATCH UP. It’s a game that will go down in sports history.

The only thing I agree with here is that the game on Sunday will be a GREAT game!

I have a lot to say about Ben but I'll leave that to the end. Let's start with this "Terrible Towel" myth. The towel has no powers. The towel cannot curse anyone. It's not Bambino, capable of keeping one team down for decades. It's a towel that Steelers use to keep warm in the stadium. All that waving has to generate heat.

Plus this is Pittsburgh, I wouldn't expect much creativity. The towel is the equivalent of Linus' blanket. It's just for security, to make the fans feel like they are part of something bigger than themselves. Which I guess living in Pittsburgh you need.

As for Ben, even if we don't discuss his criminality we must discuss his mental issues as a result of his bike accident. I know Steelers fans love their QB, but are ya'll sure he's alright? Maybe his lack of control with women is based in something more serious. I'm just saying:-)

This is Aaron's year. Period. He will emerge from Brett's shadow and win his first Super Bowl.

Sports Gal you might want to do your homework before degrading “The terrible towel” because you are also insulting its creator, the late Myron Cope who was a broadcast legend here in Pittsburgh.

Since you didn’t do your homework regarding “The terrible towel” let me take this opportunity to school you.

“The terrible towel” was the creation of Myron Cope in 1975. He encouraged fans to bring a yellow dish towel to the playoff game against the Baltimore Colts. The Steeler Nation did what the late Mr. Cope asked of them and with towels waving, the Steelers won that game 28-10.

Following that victory, the Pittsburgh Steelers moved on to the playoffs and eventually won Super Bowl X in January of 1976. That’s the year the gold towels with the words, “Myron Cope’s Terrible Towel” printed in black became a part of football history. Did I mention that the Steelers beat the Dallas Cowboys 21-7 in that game.

We went on to win a few more Super Bowls during that decade. I remember because I watched all of them with my “terrible towel.”

Here’s what you really need to know about “The terrible towel” and how significant it is not only to Steelers and their devoted fans, but to others as well. Flash forward 20 years, in 1996 Myron himself gave the rights to “Myron Cope’s Official Terrible Towel to the Allegheny Valley School here in the Burgh. The school provides care for nearly 1000 children, adults and seniors with mental and physical disabilities. Every time a “terrible towel” is purchased proceeds go to help all of these individuals. To date as far as I know, proceeds from “The terrible towel” have helped raise more than 3 million dollars for the school,.

You might want to think long and hard about this next piece of information. When you talk about “the terrible towel” with such disdain not only do you put down the Steelers and its fans, but you also insult the memory of its creator, the late Myron Cope whose son, Danny suffers from autism. He was the real inspiration behind “Myron Cope’s Terrible Towel.”

Now Myron himself was not only a Legendary Steelers broadcaster but a kind soul too. If he was still with us, I do believe that Mr. Cope would forgive you regarding your ignorance about the history and the power surrounding “The terrible towel.” I believe that from high above Myron has already forgiven you. In fact, he’s probably waving a “terrible towel” and saying Yoi, and Double Yoi to you; that’s the kind of guy Myron Cope was. By the way, that is a compliment.

“The terrible towel” does have power. Super Powers. Lets complete this lesson with a quick reminder. Now I would think that a gal from the Big Apple would know this, but I will remind you. Several weeks ago on Sunday January 23, 2011 the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the New York Jets here in Pittsburgh at Heinz Field in the AFC Championship game. By the way, that would have been Myron’s 82nd birthday. Yoi and Double Yoi.

I am forgiving too. I will send you a “terrible towel” knowing that I am paying tribute to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the entire Steeler Nation and its creator, the late Myron Cope and helping out those who are in need.

About Mr. Ben Roethlisberger; there have been and are ongoing discussions about his past behavior and his current redemption. It is still in question for many people including those of us who live here in Pittsburgh.

Just last night I called into a local radio station regarding this very issue. In terms of Ben’s behavior I believe that he has changed. Is he is perfect? Is anyone? Are you? I’m not. This I do know, just this week two-time Super Bowl MVP and former Steelers QB Terry Bradshaw met with Ben and the two have buried the hatchet. Remember the Steelers and their fans are family.

Despite the motorcycle accident and several other concussions “Big Ben” is a quarterback whose skills are not like any other quarterbacks in the NFL. He likes to play football. Throw stats out the window. Ben is a physical quarterback who loves the game and he’s good at playing it. That’s why his teammates and fans love Number. 7. The 6 time Super Bowl Champs, The Pittsburgh Steelers are on the “Stairway to 7” with Number 7 leading the way.

Sports Gal sounds like she's more than a little miffed that Ben never paid her more attention!

The very least you could do is acknowledge the wonderful things the Terrible Towel has done. $3M for a single school that helps those with mental and physical disabilities. If I lived in Pittsburgh, that school could probably help with my own physical issues. But since I live in LA, we have no Terrible Towel. We have no quarterback, wounded or not, in spirit or the flesh or the mind. We would give anything to have a team like the Steelers, a quarterback like Ben, and yes, a towel that is yellow.

I can't attest to the powers of the Terrible Towel, but I can confirm its effect on the lives of others, over and above the Allegheny Valley School. Much like the tomahawk of my beloved Atlanta Braves, it represents everything good and wonderful we expect of our teams. I notice you don't have much to say about wearing of cheese on one's head, but rest assured ~ the Towel will be there to clean up the cheese as it crumbles under the mighty weight of the Steelers front line.

Oh, and your little snark about Pittsburgh's creativity does not match the truth. (Did you do ANY research for this "blog" or are you just pulling things out of the air?) For one thing, last year, Forbes and Yahoo named Pittsburgh as THE most livable city in the US.

And here's some creativity that lives and thrives in Pittsburgh:

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra performs in Heinz HallPittsburgh Opera performs in the Benedum CenterBenedum Center and Heinz Hall provide venues for other groups, such as the River City Brass Band and the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra.The National Negro Opera Company was founded in Pittsburgh (first all African-American opera company in the US, leading to the prominence of African-American singers like Leontyne Price). Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre, Quantum Theatre, and the early music ensemble Chatham Baroque.

Pittsburgh Dance Council, Pittsburgh Ballet. Duquesne University Tamburitzans, a multicultural academy dedicated to the preservation and presentation of folk songs and dance.

Ya want more? How about the Andy Warhol Museum, the Carnegie Museum of Art, the Frick Art & Historical Center, the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, the Mattress Factory, ArtGardens of Pittsburgh, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the Carnegie Science Center, the Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center and Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum. Bayernhof Music Museum.

The city is also served by the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and the National Aviary.

Ya want theater? The Pittsburgh Playhouse of Point Park University, Attack Theatre, barebones productions, Bricolage Production Company, City Theatre, Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre, Pittsburgh Musical Theater, Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company, Pittsburgh Public Theater, Prime Stage Theatre, Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, Quantum Theatre, Hiawatha Project, Three Rivers Theatre Company, No Name Players, and Unseam'd Shakespeare Company. The city's longest-running theater show, Friday Nite Improvs, is an improv jam that has been performed in the Cathedral of Learning and other locations for 20 years. St. Vincent Theatre, Off the Wall Productions, and Mountain Playhouse in nearby Latrobe, Washington, and Jennerstown, respectively, employ Pittsburgh actors and contribute to the culture of the region.

Pittsburgh is the birthplace of Gertrude Stein and Rachel Carson. Modern writers include Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson and Michael Chabon. Let's not forget two-time Pultizer Prize winner and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, David McCullough, or Annie Dillard, a Pultizer Prize winning writer. Poet Michael Simms. Chris Kuzneski

So, Sports Gal, let's see if you actually read your comments. I will be waiting for your apology to the great city of Pittsburgh, and to those who wave the Terrible Towel.

What you need to realize is that folks like you who our not a part of Steeler Nation are viewed as irrelevant to those of us who are part of Steeler Nation. We're riding on this glory train to history and we don't mind that you're not on board. The national media has never been a fan of us hard-working, humble folks from small city America. The hard work ethic of our beloved Steelers exemplifies who we are as a city and as a people. And the fact that outsiders just dont get it, makes it all the more special. Steeler Nation isn't defined by the outcome of a particular football game. It is a way of life here. So win or lose today, we trudge on, proudly waving our Terrible Towels. GO STEELERS!

Greetings from "BLUES BURGH." - I remember the last time STEELERS lost a Super Bowl. It's always an ugly day here in Pittsburgh following a loss; especially a "SUPER BOWL" loss.

It's actually a very deary day here in Pittsburgh weather wise; fitting the mood of everyone. I am slowly recovering from my "Super Bowl" hangover and I didn't even drink. (Kind of wish I would have now).

I would like congratulate the "Green Bay Packers" on a GAME WELL PLAYED.

You called it "Sports Gal," you said that this would be AARON RODGERS year and it is. Congratulations to him for being named the MVP of Super Bowl XLV. He earned it fair and square.

BOTTOM LINE, the Packers showed up for the game and the Steelers didn't.

There are so many reasons that the Steelers lost the game. Ben threw two interceptions which turned into two touchdowns for the Packers. Rashard Mendenhall's fumble proved costly as well.

My question is where was the famous "STEEL CURTAIN?" It would have been nice if our defense led by "Hall of Fame Defensive Coordinator, Dick LeBeau" would have attended the game.

Where were all of the famous plays by "Defense Player of the year", Troy Polamalu? I'm not singling him out either. This whole "Fear the Beard" thing and Brett Keisel, where was he? I did see James Harrison arrive on the scene for a short time. The Steelers famous defense was SILENT.

Despite the injuries to some of the Packers, they out played the Steelers. HANDS DOWN! In the end, penalties and turnovers are what cost the Steelers their dream of the "Stairway to 7."

It's been an interesting year for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Steeler Nation. Before the season even started we began with the sexual allegations regarding Ben Roethlisberger and his use of poor social judgment.

Just for the record, he was crucified here in Pittsburgh. Banished from the first four games almost everyone here in the "Burgh" and the entire Steeler Nation" wondered if the team could live without him.

We did and it's been quite a ride. Ben came back as the franchise quarterback he is and rallied his team all the way to "Super Bowl XLV."

The Steelers defeated all three of their division rivals twice this past year including the hard to take down, "Baltimore Ravens" and our "Turnpike Rivals", the "Cleveland Browns."

In the end, we didn't win "Super Bowl XLV." This morning on the local news one person said it all, "We play as a team, we win as a team and we lose as a team."

It's the same for the die hard Steelers fans. NEVER EVER count out the 6 time Super Bowl Champions, the, "Pittsburgh Steelers." WE WILL RETURN.

My final comments on Ben; I believe that he had to learn his lesson the hard way. I was impressed with how he responded to the media following the game. He came out and faced the sometimes "not so nice" press with honesty and dignity.

"Big Ben" was clean shaven and took the blame for it all. He said (and this isn't an exact quote) that he failed his teammates, the fans and the city of Pittsburgh. I personally do not think he did. The loss was a TEAM EFFORT.

Is he redeemed? I believe "BEN" is all grown up now. Only time will tell. All eyes will be on him during the post season.

If I have done my calculations correctly, training camp is only five months away.

As I wrap this up, I said that I would send you something from Pittsburgh and buy you dinner in "The Big Apple." I love New York, just ask Delaina Dixon. Our loss is a good excuse for me to return to one of my favorite cities.

Pick the place and when I make it to the New York this year I will make good on my promise. I'm good for it, just ask Ms. Dixon.

Again, congratulations to you "SPORTS GAL" for calling it. "The Vince Lombardi Trophy" is back at home - for now.

THE PITTSBURGH STEELERS WILL GARNER THEMSELVES ANOTHER SUPER BOWL... SOONER THAN YOU THINK.

Thank you for the dinner offer. I look forward to taking you up on it.

I will say the game played the way I thought it would, except that the Steelers were a bit sloppier than expected. Overall it was a very exciting game and I give the Steelers a lot of credit.

And since you are so gracious in loss, I will admit that I wasn't a total bandwagon Packers fan. I really thought Philadelphia Eagles' Michael Vick would bring the trophy to Philly this year. But after the way the Packers won that game, I didn't think there was an NFC team that could beat them. And once the match-up was Pitt-Green Bay, I thought a healthy Steelers team would easily beat the Packers, but unfortunately they weren't healthy enough, and Aaron was able to exploit those holes.

Also, as a Steelers fan, you have the consolation of knowing you'll be in the hunt again next year. Looking forward to more debates!